When the name of Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emerged in May 2025 as the successor to former BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, many immediately took interest. Who is this man now entrusted with one of the most challenging agencies in government?

The appointment was welcomed not only by BOC employees but also by brokers, importers, and stakeholders across the trade community. The common sentiment: What makes Commissioner Ariel different?

By all accounts, Commissioner Nepomuceno is a man of intelligence, clarity, and integrity. His credibility and dignity remain unquestioned—a leader with no stain of anomaly.

His return was particularly celebrated by the Customs Police, who once worked closely with him during his previous service as Deputy Commissioner for the Enforcement Group, where he played a crucial role in securing the country’s borders. Indeed, the BOC is now in capable hands.

Commissioner Nepomuceno is no stranger to the Bureau. He served as Assistant Commissioner from 2017 to 2018 and as Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement from 2013 to 2017—an experience that speaks volumes of his familiarity with the agency’s operations.

From 2022 to 2025, he was entrusted with the position of Undersecretary and Administrator of the Office of Civil Defence (OCD), a role that required discipline and precision. Even before that, he had served the OCD as Director and Executive Officer from 2012 to 2013.

Throughout his tenure at OCD, Commissioner Nepomuceno earned the respect and admiration of the staff for his clean and principled leadership. Ask anyone who worked with him, and they’ll confirm the same.

What many may not know is that Commissioner Nepomuceno is also a former columnist, having written for the Philippine Star, BusinessMirror, and BusinessWorld. This background underscores his ability to engage thoughtfully with the media and the public.

His educational credentials are equally impressive: a Presidential Scholarship Awardee at the University of the Philippines Diliman (1989–1990), Most Outstanding Graduate of the UP College of Social Sciences (1989), and Magna Cum Laude graduate in BA History (UP Diliman, 1989). He also completed Military Science & Tactics at the Philippine Military Academy in 1985—training that further sharpened his discipline and leadership in enforcement.

Given his extensive background in border security, trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations, Commissioner Nepomuceno inspires confidence among both BOC personnel and stakeholders. His appointment promises strengthened border protection, effective revenue collection, a vigorous fight against illicit trade, and enhanced national security.

Welcome back and congratulations, Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno! President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made a sound choice in selecting a leader whose legacy of service continues to inspire confidence. The Bureau of Customs is indeed in good hands.

Mabuhay, and may God bless us always.

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